When to decide what's best for DC

[Cantgetthisshitoutmyhead]

Exactly what the title says..
The story is, my ex has our DC for a 5hrs on a Saturday he rarely has them for sleepovers, his choice. I'm feeling strained now, I feel myself I have all the school days that are stressy but I'd love to plan a few fun weekends away with my kids I'm stuck (informal) with this few hours contact and my DS 12 years old will not budge, he wants to continue with dad contact on a Saturday, iv said he can spend alternate Saturdays with dad then we'd both get to spend some fun time, I want my kids to make choices but I also want to make choices too.

I am soft with them, I overcompensate

Why doesn't your ex have them both Sat and Sunday one weekend and not the other? the house can be negotiable, but just means you get a full weekend.
Put it to him and try and get him to see that its better for him to then when you are both in agreement tell your child this is what is happening. It could actually be better for everyone.

He has them one weekend in 6, he absolutely won't have the DC stay anymore often than that. Believe me if tried often. Iv explained to the DC that id like to spend more quality time, I work all week, so weekends I'd love to just go a mini break with them and if arrange alternate sat for dad, ds just won't entertain it, should I force ds? Iv explained but he just wants to keep his sat date with dad

Friday night camping locally? A "sleepover" (you all in sleepingbags in the lounge with tv and crisps/sweets)?